4th of July Traffic News: Today is the Deadliest Day on US Roads

Independence Day, or the 4^th of July, is day full of fireworks, family and BBQ's. It also happens to be the most dangerous day on the roads in the United States.

July 4 is ranked No. 1 for overall traffic fatalities, with an average of about 140 road deaths each year, it is also the deadliest day for teen drivers and their passengers.

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Auto accidents killed more than 800 people from 2006 to 2010, according to the IIHS. Teen drivers are four times more likely to die in a crash than any other age group, according to research by The Allstate Foundation.

Teen drivers are of concern because, although preliminary figures for 2011 indicate that overall traffic deaths declined to their lowest level since record-keeping began in 1949, the number of teens dying in car crashes last year appears to have increased for the first time in eight years.

On July 4, 2010, 39 percent of traffic fatalities involved a drunken driver, compared with 31 percent normally, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

"Drivers should be extra cautious on the roads during all highly trafficked holiday travel periods," said David Kelly, President and Executive Director, NCSR, and former Acting Administrator of NHTSA.

"Statistics about red-light running and overall intersection safety make this fact more tangible and heighten awareness about the risks that dangerous drivers create for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians."

The Fourth of July is also the top-ranked holiday travel period for red-light running in Florida, California, Maryland and Texas.

Florida - 39% more red-light violations occur during the Fourth of July travel period than the lowest ranked holiday travel period in the state (Christmas).

California - 42.6% more red-light violations occur during the Fourth of July travel period than the lowest ranked holiday travel period in the state (Super Bowl).

Maryland - 38% more red-light violations occur during the Fourth of July travel period than the lowest ranked holiday travel period in the state (Super Bowl).

Texas - 37.8% more red-light violations occur during the Fourth of July travel period than the lowest ranked holiday travel period in the state (Super Bowl).